Memorial Day food safety: Keep your cookout safe

For Memorial Day weekend, millions of Americans will fire up grills and gather outdoors to honor fallen heroes. But with warm May temperatures, food safety is critical to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service offers guidance to ensure your holiday cookout remains safe and enjoyable.

Start with clean hands

Handwashing is the first defense against contamination. Use soap and running water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available at your picnic or barbecue, opt for hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol or alcohol-based moist towelettes.

Pack perishables properly

When transporting food to outdoor events, keep perishables below 40 degrees F using coolers with ice, frozen gel packs, or frozen beverages like water or juice. Separate beverages and perishables into different coolers, as frequent opening of beverage coolers can warm perishable foods. Place coolers in the shade and use an appliance thermometer to ensure food stays at or below 40 degrees F.

Avoid the “Danger Zone”
The “Danger Zone” — temperatures between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F — is where bacteria multiply rapidly. Keep cold foods refrigerated or on ice at 40 degrees F or below. Hot foods, like grilled burgers or side dishes, should stay above 140 degrees F using grills, chafing dishes, or slow cookers. Check temperatures regularly with a food thermometer.

Follow the two-hour rule
Perishable foods, including meats, cut fruits, vegetables, and cooked sides, should not sit out for more than two hours — or one hour if temperatures exceed 90 degrees F. Discard any food left out longer to avoid illness.

Safe grilling practices
Cook meats to safe internal temperatures: 165 degrees F for poultry, 160 degrees F for ground meats, and 145 degrees F for whole cuts of beef or pork, with a three-minute rest. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

For questions, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854, email MPHotline@usda.gov, or chat live at www.ask.usda.gov, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday.

By prioritizing food safety, you can ensure your Memorial Day honors heroes without health risks.

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